Senior School News
Year 10 Work Experience
The 2026 Year 10 Work Experience program at Patterson River Secondary College has once again been an outstanding success, providing students with invaluable, real-world insights into their future career pathways.
Demonstrating incredible initiative and dedication, an impressive 93% of students successfully completed their placements, gaining hands-on industry skills and exploring fields of interest. The enthusiasm for workplace learning didn't stop there, as over 20 students have actively opted to undertake a second week of work experience to further expand their horizons. Hopefully these experiences will help with navigating the pathway selection at the beginning of Term 3.
This program would not be possible without the incredible support of the local business community and the College extends a sincere thank you to all employers who generously took on a student, providing mentorship and helping to shape the future workforce.
Lastly a special mention must be made to Renae Milsome for her tireless efforts in supporting all the students with their placements, from helping to source opportunities to processing all the paperwork.
Matt Hayes, Leigh O'Brien & Anya McKenzie
Year 10 Coordination Team
Year 11 VCE VM
It has been a busy start to the Year for our Year 11 VCE VM students. At the end of Term 1 we introduced our major assessment being the planning and preparation of our annual school Market Day. Market Day was held on Thursday 25 May and we looking forward to student reflections. Students had a range of stalls prepared including burgers, milkshakes, cookies, games and more. There was even staff participation by Mr Hayes and Mr Wagner-Watts in the big freeze!
As part of our Market Day unit students visited the Queen Victoria Market and explored the variety of stalls on offer, many of the students tried new food on the day and really embraced the spirit of the Market.
Students also had the opportunity to participate in a Financial Literacy education session. The purpose of this session was to give students a better understanding of real-world finances and future investing. Feedback from the session was very positive.
Melissa Stokes
VCE VM Coordinator
Year 12 VCE VM
Term 2 has been another busy and rewarding Semester for our Year 12 VCE VM students, with a strong focus on practical learning, teamwork and developing important life skills.
One of the major highlights this term has been the completion of our Financial Literacy course. Students explored a wide range of real-world financial topics including budgeting, tax, superannuation, GST, inflation, interest rates, loans, investing, property, shares, cash and cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin.
Students have also been working hard to complete their Unit 3 outcomes, including the exciting “Melbourne Tours” assessment task. As part of this project, students planned and prepared their own excursions, developing skills in organisation, communication, budgeting and risk management. There were many creative and engaging ideas put forward, with the clear student favourite being an overnight camp experience. Other excursions included trips to Bounce, go-karting, mini golf, MCG tour and a Korean BBQ experience.
We have also been completing our “Teaching a Skill” project. Students have demonstrated and taught a wide variety of practical skills to their peers, including cooking techniques, trade-related skills, exercise and sporting activities and many other hands-on tasks. This assessment has allowed students to further develop their communication, leadership and presentation abilities in a supportive environment.
In Literacy, students are currently exploring The Happiest Refugee by Anh Do. The memoir has sparked meaningful discussions around resilience, identity, family and personal growth, while helping students strengthen their reading and analytical skills.
Looking ahead, students are excited to begin preparations for our upcoming Career Expo later this term. This will provide valuable opportunities for students to connect with community and showcase their passions within their chosen VET and SWL pathways.
We are incredibly proud of the effort, enthusiasm and growth shown by our VCE VM students throughout Term 2 and look forward to another successful finish to the semester.
Jay Cashmore
VCE VM Program Leader
Year 10 Outdoor Education
It has been a big term so far for the Year 10 Outdoor Education classes. After returning from Camp last term, students have been working through their Camp Reflection CATs, as well as looking at the global impact of Climate Change as part of their Breaking Boundaries CAT. With the exam rapidly approaching, students are now focused on revision to ensure they are able to achieve their best.
Outside of the classroom, students recently visited Treetops Adventures in Belgrave where they braved the conditions to participate in the high ropes course. After a demonstration, students guided themselves through a maze of obstacles high up in the trees with their safety harness and flying fox.
Students had a great day and many were brave enough to try the vertical drop where they had to step off a ledge 15 metres in the air and free fall to the ground in the hope that their harness would hold them.
We can report that all students successfully survived!
Students have also been out to Bayside Rock where they have challenged themselves with Top Rope Climbing, Bouldering and attempting the tight Tunnels system. Great work everyone.
D'Arcy Garton
Outdoor Education Teacher
Year 11 Outdoor Education
Our Year 11 students recently took part in an exciting Outdoor Education adventure on the Mornington Peninsula, combining teamwork, resilience and personal growth through a range of challenging activities. The camp began at Portsea Pier, where students participated in a guided snorkelling experience. Equipped with wetsuits and safety gear, students explored the underwater environment and observed local marine life including the weedy sea dragon. Many students stepped outside of their comfort zones, showing courage and encouragement towards one another as they developed confidence in the ocean environment.
Following the snorkelling session, students enjoyed stand up paddleboarding along the calm waters of Portsea. The activity provided plenty of laughter, teamwork and persistence as students worked on balance, coordination and water safety skills. Throughout the afternoon, students demonstrated excellent cooperation and resilience while supporting their peers and embracing new challenges.
The group then travelled to Blairgowrie, where they set up camp beside the beach and enjoyed an evening of shared responsibilities, games and reflection around the campsite. The camping experience gave students the opportunity to further develop independence, organisation and positive social connections outside the classroom environment.
On the second day, students completed a scenic day walk through Point Nepean National Park, making their way to the historic forts and military tunnels at Fort Nepean. Along the walk, students explored the natural coastal environment while learning about the significant history of the area. The excursion encouraged students to appreciate the outdoors, challenge themselves physically and strengthen relationships with their peers. Overall, the camp was a fantastic success and highlighted the Year 11 students’ positive attitudes, teamwork and willingness to embrace new experiences.
Mollie Riddle & Jules Waldron
Outdoor Education Teacher and Outdoor Education Coordinator
Year 12 Outdoor Education
On the Monday, 11 May, the Year 12 Outdoor Education students ventured out to the Edithvale Seaford Wetlands in order to collect primary and secondary data for their upcoming SAC. Many students had been eagerly awaiting this day since first hearing about it in November and were not disappointed. Students enjoyed beautiful sunshine as they explored and increased their knowledge on the local environment. Here’s what a few of the students had to say about the day:
- “I loved being in the beautiful sunshine” – Gage, Year 12
- “I felt inspired to create a poem of my own” – Alex, Year 12
- “I loved the walking trail” – Samuel, Year 12
- “Truly inspiration” – Ziggy, Year 12
D'Arcy Garton
Outdoor Education Teacher
